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“Not a small…”: Shaheen Afridi revs up for Brisbane Heat debut, hails Big Bash League

Aakash Saini

Shaheen Afridi [Source: @HeatBBL/x.com]Shaheen Afridi [Source: @HeatBBL/x.com]

Pakistan fast bowler Shaheen Afridi is set to make his Big Bash League (BBL) debut through the upcoming 2025-26 edition of the competition in Australia. The 25-year-old was picked up by Brisbane Heat a few months ago during the BBL 2025-26 draft back in June.

Shaheen Afridi will be expected to lead Brisbane Heat’s depleted pace attack, considering Spencer Johnson is yet to recovery from his injury and Michael Neser is currently fulfilling his national duties for Australia in the 2025-26 Ashes.

Shaheen Afridi looking to give his “best” with both bat and ball

Shaheen Afridi is hoping to play his role for the Brisbane Heat to his fullest in the absence of Spencer Johnson and Michael Neser. While speaking with the reporters ahead of his BBL debut, the cricketer described the Australian T20 tournament as the “best league” with the “best cricket and the best players”.

Shaheen Afridi also added that he is looking forward to chipping in for Brisbane Heat in all aspects of the game. He said:

“They [Johnson and Neser] are experienced bowlers for this team and I hope I play my role, that's why I'm here. In all three [disciplines]... fielding, and if I need, chipping in batting as well, I'll give my best. It's not a small league and [is] well-renowned as the best league and... the best cricket with the best players.”

Shaheen Afridi also praised national teammates Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, with both senior batters simultaneously being in line to make their BBL debuts this Australian summer. He added:

“First game against Rizzy... a world-quality player. And Babar's here as well. They know me, I know them. Hopefully we play some good cricket here. And we're really hopeful we get the Pakistani support, and the Asian community as a whole.”

Having arrived in Australia earlier this week, Shaheen Afridi’s first game of the BBL 2025-26 for Brisbane Heat will be played on December 15. The Heat is scheduled to face the Melbourne Renegades in match number two of the competition in Geelong.